Am I allowed to have pepper spray for self-defence in Denmark?
No — you may not have pepper spray without police permission, at home or in public. Pepper spray is a weapon under the Firearms Act. The scheme from 1 January 2019, under which people over 18 could buy and keep pepper spray for self-defence in their own home, was rolled back on 1 February 2021, because too many sprays ended up with criminals. Today it needs a weapon permit, granted only to at-risk people with a concrete risk, such as stalking or domestic violence. You must be 18 and be approved. A permit may only be used in lawful self-defence. Without a permit, possession can bring a fine and a criminal record.
📋 The rules
- Pepper spray is a weapon under the Firearms Act
- The 2019 scheme was rolled back on 1 February 2021
- Today it needs a weapon permit from the police
- A permit is granted only to at-risk people, 18
- It may only be used in lawful self-defence
🔓 Exceptions
- At-risk people with a concrete risk can get a permit after a background check
- Police on duty may carry pepper spray
- Previously valid permits remain valid until they expire
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Possession without a permit typically brings a fine of about 1,400 kr if merely kept at home, and about 3,000 kr if carried in public. Using it on a person can be punished as assault.
📎 Official sources
- Politi.dk · Pepper spray →
- Politi.dk · Hand in pepper spray (2021) →
- Ministry of Justice · Changed scheme →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I have pepper spray for self-defence?
No, not without police permission. The 2019 scheme allowing it at home was rolled back in 2021.
Does the 2019 scheme still apply?
No. The scheme under which people over 18 could keep pepper spray in their own home was rolled back on 1 February 2021.
Who can get a permit?
Only at-risk people with a concrete risk, such as stalking or domestic violence, after a background check.
Can I carry pepper spray in the street?
No. Even with a permit pepper spray may only be used in self-defence, and carrying it in public without a permit is punishable.
What is the penalty for having pepper spray?
Typically a fine of about 1,400 kr at home and 3,000 kr in public, plus a criminal record.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I have pepper spray denmark”
- “pepper spray permit police”
- “pepper spray 2019 rolled back”
- “pepper spray at-risk people”
- “pepper spray fine”
- “self-defence firearms act”